Weledeh

Statements in Debates

Debates of , 16th Assembly, 4th Session (day 18)

Thank you very much, Mr. Menicoche. Seeing no other general comments on the slate, perhaps I’ll call on Mr. Ramsay for any motions he might be considering.

Debates of , 16th Assembly, 4th Session (day 18)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My questions today are intended to try and bring as much transparency as possible to the GNWT’s role in responding to the Joint Review Panel report. My first question is to the lead Minister of Environment and Natural Resources. Could he describe the process that the GNWT will use to respond to the Joint Review Panel report and recommendations? Mahsi.

Debates of , 16th Assembly, 4th Session (day 18)

Thank you, Mr. Ramsay. At this point in time that appears to be all the… Mr. Hawkins.

Debates of , 16th Assembly, 4th Session (day 18)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I will offer general remarks outlining the approach I will take to our debate on the report of the Joint Review Panel. First I want to thank and congratulate the members of the panel for their thorough and dedicated work and thoughtful reflection of the mass of information and views presented.

Mr. Speaker, this huge report and its 176 recommendations reflect the many economic, social, cultural and environmental elements of this massive project. But for all its complexities, the result can really be summarized very simply. The report recommendations are summed up...

Debates of , 16th Assembly, 4th Session (day 18)

I’d like to call committee back to order and note that we have agreed to consider Tabled Document 62-16(4), NWT Main Estimates, 2010-2011, with a start by having general comments. I’d like to have a call for any general comments at this time. We’ll start with Ms. Bisaro.

Debates of , 16th Assembly, 4th Session (day 18)

Thank you, committee. I’ll call the committee to order. What is the wish of the committee? Mrs. Groenewegen.

Debates of , 16th Assembly, 4th Session (day 18)

I understand that. They have a very aggressive time schedule and I’m hoping we’re able to meet that. These are big questions and we’re going to have to be light on our feet here. Thank you for that information.

Does our government intend to participate in the National Energy Board final argument public hearing on the Mackenzie Gas Project scheduled for April 2010 in Yellowknife and Inuvik? If so, again I’m wondering how we will be involved.

The reason I’m asking these questions beyond the time frame is the order of events that happen is critical through transparency. I think the final deadline...

Debates of , 16th Assembly, 4th Session (day 18)

Does the GNWT intend to file a submission with the National Energy Board on or before February 11th, 2010, that responds to the Joint Review Panel report and recommendations and, if so, how will we involve the MLAs and the public in the preparation of this submission? That’s February 11th. Thank you.

Debates of , 16th Assembly, 4th Session (day 18)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to follow up with a few more questions about the Joint Review Panel process and the government’s plans. I am squeezing these in on a Friday because there is a very aggressive table. It is a schedule that is laid out by the Joint Review Panel for the public to participate in the response. My first question is to the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources -- and this is following up my Member’s statement -- will the GNWT prepare a financial analysis of the implementation costs of the Joint Review Panel recommendations? Thank you.

Debates of , 16th Assembly, 4th Session (day 18)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m not asking about committees here; I’m asking for transparency to the public. There is the potential for this consult to modify process to be completely in confidence and thus remove the ability of the public to participate meaningfully. So I’m asking for a commitment from the Minister to ensure that if they are submitting to the Joint Review Panel in this consult to modify process, that those documents be put on the public registry with all the other documents that have had to be put on the public registry to date so that the public can be informed. Mahsi.